báijiǔ: 白酒 - Baijiu, Chinese White Liquor

• Keywords: Baijiu, Chinese liquor, what is baijiu, báijiǔ, 白酒, Chinese alcohol, Maotai, Wuliangye, Chinese spirit, Chinese drink, how to drink baijiu, ganbei, Chinese toasting culture.
• Summary: Baijiu (白酒, báijiǔ), often translated as “white liquor,” is China's national drink and the most-consumed spirit in the world. It is a potent, clear distilled liquor typically made from sorghum. Far more than just an alcoholic beverage, Baijiu is a cornerstone of Chinese social life, essential for business banquets, weddings, and celebrations. Understanding Baijiu is key to understanding Chinese social customs, relationship-building, and the art of the toast.

• Pinyin (with tone marks): báijiǔ
• Part of Speech: Noun
• HSK Level: HSK 4
• Concise Definition: A strong, clear, distilled alcoholic beverage from China, made from fermented grains, primarily sorghum.
• In a Nutshell: Baijiu is China's ubiquitous, powerful spirit. Imagine a drink with the social importance of champagne at a celebration and the deal-making function of a fine scotch, but with a completely unique, pungent aroma and a tradition of being drunk in small, communal shots. It's not a drink you sip casually alone; its purpose is to be shared to build connections and show respect.

• 白 (bái): This character means “white” or “clear.” It originates from a pictogram of a grain of rice or a shimmering drop of dew, representing purity and brightness.
• 酒 (jiǔ): This character means “alcohol” or “liquor.” It's a combination of the “water” radical (氵) on the left and the character 酉 (yǒu) on the right, which was originally a pictogram of a jar used for fermenting or storing wine.
• Together, 白酒 (báijiǔ) literally means “white/clear alcohol,” a name that describes its transparent appearance, distinguishing it from other traditional Chinese drinks like 黄酒 (huángjiǔ), or “yellow wine.”

Baijiu is not merely a drink; it is a social tool and a cultural symbol deeply embedded in Chinese society.

• Social Lubricant: In China, sharing Baijiu is the fastest way to break the ice and build rapport, whether at a business dinner, a wedding, or a family reunion. The act of toasting and drinking together is a gesture of goodwill and sincerity.
• Business and 关系 (guānxi): Business deals in China are often solidified over a banquet table, and Baijiu is almost always the featured drink. The willingness to participate in toasting rituals can be interpreted as a sign of respect and trustworthiness, crucial for building 关系 (guānxi), or personal connections.
• Comparison to the West: While a Westerner might associate “doing shots” with a casual party atmosphere, doing shots of Baijiu is a structured and often formal affair. The Western concept of “cheers” is a light-hearted salutation; the Chinese equivalent, 干杯 (gānbēi), is a more binding command meaning “dry the cup,” often implying you should finish your glass. The pressure and expectation are significantly higher.
• Respect and Hierarchy: Toasting etiquette (known as 酒桌文化, jiǔzhuō wénhuà) reflects social hierarchy. One always toasts superiors or elders first. When clinking glasses, a person of lower status will hold their glass lower than the person of higher status as a sign of respect.

Baijiu is consumed in specific, predictable situations. You are unlikely to see someone order a Baijiu at a coffee shop or sip it while watching TV.

• Banquets and Formal Dinners: This is the primary stage for Baijiu. It will be served in a small ceramic bottle, and poured into tiny thimble-sized glasses. A series of toasts will be made throughout the meal.
• Celebrations: Weddings, Spring Festival dinners, and birthdays are all prime occasions for Baijiu. It symbolizes joy, celebration, and togetherness.
• As a Prestigious Gift: A bottle of high-end Baijiu, such as 茅台 (Máotái) or 五粮液 (Wǔliángyè), is a very common and respected gift, especially to elders, in-laws, or business partners.
• Connotation: In its proper context, Baijiu is overwhelmingly positive. However, the associated “drinking culture” (酒桌文化, jiǔzhuō wénhuà) can sometimes be seen negatively, as it can involve immense social pressure to drink excessively.

• Example 1:
  • 这瓶白酒很贵，是茅台。
  • Pinyin: Zhè píng báijiǔ hěn guì, shì Máotái.
  • English: This bottle of Baijiu is very expensive; it's Maotai.
  • Analysis: This sentence highlights Baijiu's role as a luxury item. 茅台 (Máotái) is the most famous brand, akin to a high-end single-malt scotch.
• Example 2:
  • 来，我们一起喝杯白酒，干杯！
  • Pinyin: Lái, wǒmen yīqǐ hē bēi báijiǔ, gānbēi!
  • English: Come on, let's have a glass of Baijiu together, cheers!
  • Analysis: A very common phrase used to initiate a toast. Notice the direct link between drinking 白酒 and the act of 干杯 (gānbēi).
• Example 3:
  • 我不太习惯白酒的味道，太烈了。
  • Pinyin: Wǒ bù tài xíguàn báijiǔ de wèidào, tài liè le.
  • English: I'm not really used to the taste of Baijiu, it's too strong.
  • Analysis: A polite way for a foreigner or non-drinker to express their difficulty with Baijiu. 烈 (liè) is the key adjective, meaning “strong” or “intense” specifically for alcohol.
• Example 4:
  • 在中国，很多生意是在酒桌上喝白酒谈成的。
  • Pinyin: Zài Zhōngguó, hěnduō shēngyì shì zài jiǔzhuō shàng hē báijiǔ tán chéng de.
  • English: In China, a lot of business is negotiated over Baijiu at the dinner table.
  • Analysis: This sentence explicitly states the connection between 白酒 and business culture, a crucial concept for anyone working in China.
• Example 5:
  • 他酒量很好，能喝一整瓶白酒。
  • Pinyin: Tā jiǔliàng hěn hǎo, néng hē yī zhěng píng báijiǔ.
  • English: He has a high alcohol tolerance; he can drink a whole bottle of Baijiu.
  • Analysis: Introduces the useful term 酒量 (jiǔliàng), meaning “alcohol capacity” or “tolerance.” This is a frequent topic of conversation when drinking.
• Example 6:
  • 这种酱香型白酒产自贵州。
  • Pinyin: Zhè zhǒng jiàngxiāng xíng báijiǔ chǎn zì Guìzhōu.
  • English: This “sauce-fragrance” type of Baijiu is produced in Guizhou.
  • Analysis: This shows that Baijiu has different categories based on its aroma profile. 酱香 (jiàngxiāng - sauce fragrance) is one of the most famous, associated with Maotai.
• Example 7:
  • 按照规矩，我应该先用白酒敬您一杯。
  • Pinyin: Ànzhào guījǔ, wǒ yīnggāi xiān yòng báijiǔ jìng nín yībēi.
  • English: According to custom, I should toast you first with Baijiu.
  • Analysis: Demonstrates the formal act of 敬酒 (jìngjiǔ), toasting someone out of respect. This is a core part of Baijiu etiquette.
• Example 8:
  • 喝了白酒千万不能开车。
  • Pinyin: Hēle báijiǔ qiānwàn bùnéng kāichē.
  • English: You absolutely must not drive after drinking Baijiu.
  • Analysis: A practical and important warning. 千万 (qiānwàn) means “by all means” or “absolutely,” strengthening the prohibition.
• Example 9:
  • 除了白酒，中国人也喜欢喝啤酒和黄酒。
  • Pinyin: Chúle báijiǔ, Zhōngguó rén yě xǐhuān hē píjiǔ hé huángjiǔ.
  • English: Besides Baijiu, Chinese people also like to drink beer and yellow wine.
  • Analysis: This sentence places 白酒 in context with other popular alcoholic drinks in China, like 啤酒 (píjiǔ - beer) and 黄酒 (huángjiǔ - yellow wine).
• Example 10:
  • 我爸爸喜欢吃饭的时候小酌两杯白酒。
  • Pinyin: Wǒ bàba xǐhuān chīfàn de shíhòu xiǎo zhuó liǎng bēi báijiǔ.
  • English: My dad likes to have a couple of small sips of Baijiu during meals.
  • Analysis: This introduces a more casual way of drinking Baijiu. 小酌 (xiǎo zhuó) means “to have a little drink,” implying moderation and enjoyment rather than the social pressure of a banquet.

• The Biggest Mistake: Confusing Baijiu with White Wine. This is the most common error for beginners. 白酒 (báijiǔ) is a strong, clear spirit, NOT white wine. White wine is 白葡萄酒 (bái pútáojiǔ). If you ask for “báijiǔ” at a restaurant expecting a Chardonnay, you are in for a powerful surprise.
• Incorrect Usage: Ordering it “on the rocks.”
  • Incorrect: 我要一杯白酒加冰块。(Wǒ yào yībēi báijiǔ jiā bīng kuài.) - “I want a glass of Baijiu with ice.”
  • Why it's wrong: Baijiu is almost exclusively drunk neat at room temperature. Adding ice is a very Western practice and would be seen as bizarre. It's considered to ruin the complex aroma of the spirit.
• Cultural Pitfall: Misunderstanding Toasting Etiquette. Simply saying “cheers” and taking a small sip can be a faux pas, especially if a host has toasted you with a loud 干杯 (gānbēi - “dry cup!”). While you are not always required to finish the glass (especially as a foreigner), you should make a significant effort and show respect for the gesture. Not reciprocating a toast can be seen as rude.

• 干杯 (gānbēi) - “Dry the cup.” The essential Chinese toast. More of a command than a suggestion.
• 茅台 (Máotái) - The most famous, prestigious, and often expensive brand of Baijiu, frequently used for state banquets and as a high-status gift.
• 酒桌文化 (jiǔzhuō wénhuà) - “Table-drinking culture.” The complex set of social rules, etiquette, and power dynamics surrounding drinking at banquets.
• 敬酒 (jìngjiǔ) - To propose a toast to someone, typically as a sign of respect to an elder, a host, or a superior.
• 酒量 (jiǔliàng) - A person's alcohol tolerance or drinking capacity. A common topic of conversation.
• 烈酒 (lièjiǔ) - A general term for “strong liquor” or “spirits,” of which Baijiu is a prime example.
• 黄酒 (huángjiǔ) - “Yellow wine.” A traditional Chinese fermented beverage, typically made from rice. It is brewed, not distilled, and has a much lower alcohol content than Baijiu.
• 啤酒 (píjiǔ) - Beer. A very popular and more casual alcoholic drink in China.
• 葡萄酒 (pútáojiǔ) - “Grape wine.” The specific term for Western-style wine. Differentiated into 红葡萄酒 (hóng pútáojiǔ - red wine) and 白葡萄酒 (bái pútáojiǔ - white wine).